Jenni Draper

From her early days working with household names like Sheridan and Bed Bath & Table, to her pivotal role in producing the award-winning Green Magazine, Jenni Draper’s twenty-five year career showcases her versatility and skill.

"I loved to draw as a child. So I studied textile design, then did a master's in graphic design," she recounts. “I’ve had my own design business for most of my career, mainly focusing on art direction for print magazines and printed collateral. I really enjoy transforming my client’s ideas into tangible works of design art that communicate.”

When asked to describe her design aesthetic, Jenni says her work is very simple and strong. Inspired by the timeless elegance of the '50s and '60s, her work of sleek lines and bold colours exudes a sense of understated sophistication that captivates the eye and the imagination alike.

“Green Magazine is probably my most well-known project,” says Jenni, her voice tinged with pride. “The sustainable architecture magazine has been going for seventeen years now - I'm about to design issue number 100! That’s a lot, considering when we first started, everyone said, 'Magazines are dying.' But I think we've just hit a niche."

Working out of her West Melbourne home, Jenni’s cosy workspace is where her creativity flourishes.

Despite her illustrious career, Jenni remains refreshingly down-to-earth. With a chuckle, she admits, " I am happy to maintain my business as it is - I love the people (and projects) I get to work with, many of whom are repeat clients and am always keen to meet new ones (people and projects) and I enjoy working from the home office. Plus I love the autonomy of being a sole trader and having control over the creative process."

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio